It's 'Cats,' so just remember: Relax and enjoy

REVIEW

REVIEW

July 20, 2006|KAREN RIVERS Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND The show is starting; the theater is pitch black. Creeping down the aisle, and now just inches away, is a man dressed and made-up to look quite convincingly like a cat. He tiptoes, gracefully and -- in a flash -- a pair of fake green eyes light up his face. So begins "Cats," and at that moment, you're pretty much in or you're out; you get it, or you don't. The fanciful, fantasy world of this 20-year-old Andrew Lloyd Weber musical will always be magic for some, gag-inducing for others. As for last night, the Broadway Theatre League's production at the Morris Performing Arts Center seemed to pack just enough "wow" to keep the "Cats" fans happy. The actors ability to stay in character during the two and half hour performance was truly impressive, bordering on eerie. They move through the musical with springy acrobatics and a dignified elegance that's unmistakable -- they're just like your kitty at home. Adding to the effect, the uncanny movements are taking place on a fascinating set, a surreal junkyard sculptural collage. They slink in and out of it, blend in with it. They have the cat moves down, no doubt, but unfortunately, in a show that's totally dependent on the song and dance, the choreography was often decidedly "eh," the timing occasionally off. Still, the production offered its share of stand-out moments. Dave Schoonover had effortless charisma as the pelvic-thrusting rock-star-like Rum Tum Tugger. Christopher E. Sidoli was just darling as poor old Gus. Lisa Karlin and Delaine Andrzejewski did a great take on the sexy, blues-y number "Macavity." And for understudy Nicholas McGough, taking over as Magical Mr. Mistoffelees meant pulling off an eleventh hour, over-the-top, wildly technical dance number -- which he did with a fair amount of success. By the time Angie Smith limps out as sad, sad Grizabella and belts out that big note on "Memory," who wouldn't be pretty happy with the performance? For those new to the show, it's good to remember that "Cats" is, well, a little different. It's best to simply accept it as it is and answer all questions with "Just relax and enjoy the show." For instance: "Are those shiny tap-dancing things cockroaches?" Just relax and enjoy the show. "Why are the Cats dressed like pirates?" Just relax and enjoy the show. "What's going on? Did I miss something?" No, you didn't miss anything. There's nothing to miss. It's just a musical about cats and all of their mysterious kitty ways. So relax and enjoy the show. Cats plays tonight at the Morris at 7:30 p.m. For tickets call (574) 235-9190.Staff Writer Karen Rivers: (574) 235-6442, krivers@sbtinfo.com